Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall would "love" to witness Brisbane go back-to-back in season 2025 after securing their fourth flag with a 60-point win over Sydney last year.

Dunstall, speaking at the Fox Footy and Kayo Sports 2025 AFL season launch, found it was extremely difficult to predict a winner in the ever-increasing even competition, with seemingly 14 clubs legitimately vying for September football.

The champion goalkicker did flag the difficulty the Lions will have in filling the Joe Daniher-sized void following his shock retirement, but will need at least six weeks to see how they're faring.

"I'd love Brisbane to go back-to-back," Dunstall said.

"Can they? Probably not.

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BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 04: Joe Daniher of the Lions looks dejected after his team's defeat during the AFL 1st Semi Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs at The Gabba on September 04, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"I find it a lot easier to pick teams who I think can't win it. Until we get six weeks in, I can't really tell."

Turning to his former club, Dunstall couldn't contain his excitement for the Hawks after keeping a close eye on them over the summer months.

Sam Mitchell added defensive pair Josh Battle and Tom Barrass to the mix which should immediately strengthen their backline while also offering some variety in the forward line.

Hawthorn will be without key forward duo Mitchell Lewis (knee) and Calsher Dear (back) for the immediate future, which may provide opportunities to other players in the front half.

"I'm really curious to see what they offer," Dunstall said of his Hawks at the Fox Footy and Kayo Sports 2025 AFL season launch.

"They caught a lot of people by surprise (last year). It's a really aggressive, attacking style of football, which I think's great for the game, but is it sustainable?

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Hawthorn Hawks recruit Josh Battle posing for a photo at his new club in 2024 (Image via Hawthorn FC)

"They've recruited well in terms of defence. A couple of injuries up forward, which might hold them back.

"Josh Battle down back, hasn't he been a good pick-up? Throw in Tom Barrass with him, it's going to be a very different look.

"Does Sicily go forward? Does Hardwick? Mitchell Lewis is injured. Calsher Dear is injured. So there's not that big key forward.

"Problem is, I don't think Sicily plays like a traditional key forward either. He's a floating third tall.

"But I think on necessity, he has to go forward."

Fox Footy and Kayo Sports are set to reign supreme over the AFL landscape, hosting all nine matches with their own commentary team for the first time after securing the rights to the prime time slots.